Israel Press - Up to date Israel news

Security Cabinet Proposes Expanding Anti-Terror Laws

The government's Political-Security Cabinet has released a statement in response to the recent attack in the Arab village of Duma.

"The Cabinet views the arson and murder in Duma as acts of terror in every aspect, and has called on all the relevant authorities to use all necessary measures in order to bring the perpetrators to justice, and prevent similar incidents," it read. "The cabinet has approved the professional recommendations to apply all the necessary steps and tools for this purpose, including the use of administrative detention in the appropriate cases, and at the approval of the attorney general."

The statement continues, "The Cabinet has instructed that the counter terror law proposal be advanced in the Knesset, which will apply to terrorists of this type as well. They also decided to establish a team of ministers led by the defense minister, and with the participation of the interior security minister, and justice minister, which will assess and advise the Cabinet and government on actions necessary to fight these types of terrorist incidents."

In practice, such a law would firmly establish that Jewish perpetrators of terrorism against Arabs are treated the same as Arab terrorists who attack Jews.

While the statement specifically referred to Friday morning's attack, it could theoretically also address criticism the government has received over Thursday's attack at the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade.

The alleged stabber, Yishai Schlissel, had previously been convicted of stabbing three marchers during the 2005 Pride Parade. His sentence ended only three weeks before this year's parade.

Expanding the administration's power could allow authorities to place future criminals like Schlissel in administrative detention during occasions in which they are deemed a risk.